Real World Rundown: A Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Douglas Wheeler
In this episode of Real World Rundown, Dr. Nate Klein talks with Dr. Doug Wheeler, Superintendent of College Community School District. A longtime JA partner, College Community has helped pioneer programs like JA BizTown® Mobile and 3DE™ in Eastern Iowa. Doug shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the district’s guiding motto: “Their future, our...
🎧 Introducing: Real World Rundown — A Podcast Powered by Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
Real World Rundown is Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s new podcast hosted by Dr. Nate Klein, featuring real conversations about work, money, and life. The first episode kicks off with Christine Landa, JAEI’s President, discussing leadership and the impact of JA. Tune in for honest stories and practical insights from students, educators, and community leaders.
🎧 Listen on Spotify:...
JA Workforce with State Farm
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...
Employee Spotlight: Kristi Brown — Turning Purpose Into Progress
Kristi Brown, Stewardship Director at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, has spent over a decade turning her passion for education and community impact into meaningful work. After leaving a corporate sales role, Kristi found purpose at JA—where she now leads grant writing and donor stewardship efforts. In her spotlight, she shares what keeps her inspired: watching students engage deeply in...
Join Our Team: Now Hiring an Education Coordinator!
Are you passionate about education, community engagement, and helping young people succeed? Do you thrive in a role that blends relationship-building with purpose-driven work? Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is hiring a part-time Education Coordinator—and we’re looking for someone who’s ready to make an...
Where Vision Meets Impact: 2025 Board Celebration Recap
On Tuesday, June 24th, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) welcomed 48 board members, who are comprised of superintendents and community leaders, to Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher for our 2025 Regional Board Celebration. The setting was perfect for a collaborative afternoon of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking discussion on how JAEI continues to empower students across...
2025 Future Bound by Junior Achievement
From June 8–11, the brightest young minds in entrepreneurship gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the inaugural Future BoundTM by Junior Achievement. This dynamic event brought together high school students from across the United States to showcase their innovative projects, demonstrate business acumen, and compete for national recognition for their outstanding achievements. A true celebration of...
Educator Spotlight: Becca Carrothers – Creating Classrooms Kids Can't Wait to Enter
In this Educator Spotlight, we meet Becca Carrothers, a 6th-grade teacher at Alburnett Community Schools and proud JA alum. Becca shares how Junior Achievement programs like JA BizTown® Mobile and JA It’s My Future® have helped her students build real-world skills, form meaningful peer connections, and grow in confidence. With a passion for creating memorable learning experiences, Becca is shaping...
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership: Erin Kurt
On May 16th, we proudly celebrated a major milestone—Erin Kurt’s 20th anniversary with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa! Since 2005, Erin has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of JAEI, serving in numerous leadership capacities and currently holding the role of Executive Vice...
A First for Iowa: The JA Dream Accelerator™ Coming to Iowa City Community School District
The Iowa City Community School District is preparing to launch the JA Dream Accelerator™—the first of its kind in Iowa and only the second in the nation. This hands-on, career exploration experience will empower 9th-grade students to discover their strengths, explore real-world career paths, and develop a vision for their futures. Integrated directly into the school curriculum, the Dream...
